Last week, the Ballard District Council had an exotic visitor: an urban planner from Australia who goes by the name of Andy Marlow.

Marlow was in town to glean ideas that might improve his own home city, Sydney. Marlow said the city is going through some big changes in how they do and plan things and they are hoping to look at successful models for community planning.

“It seems like Ballard has taken a lot of growth and it seems to have worked quite well,” he said. He added, jokingly, “Which is something I’m trying to get used to.”

Of course, successful growth is up to interpretation. Some expressed concern of the large apartment complexes sprouting up from the ground and the preservation of Ballard’s history and industry.

Still, it gave a chance for a circle of Ballardites to share their testimonial on what they think is working in Ballard. Marlow is looking for more testimonials of what works in Ballard as well as pictures. You can send your two cents to him at Andy.Marlow@cox.com.au

Here are a few things residents at the Ballard District Council had to say:

“The one thing that impresses me about Ballard is we may disagree but we’re all working toward a common goal, which is working toward a better Ballard. ... I think that to me is something that is very precious. And this particular organization (Ballard District Council) as I understand it, compared to a lot of the councils around the city, is actually very constructive and active.” -- Mike Kahrs, chair of Central Ballard Residents Association

“What I’ve noticed over the years is I’m driving less. Ballard has become an incredible walkable ‘hood. And bicyclable as well. We’ve done a lot of improvements in Ballard (creating an enjoyable walk with trees, parks, shops, restaurants) … I think that’s done a lot to improve the livelihood of our neighborhood.” -- Dawn Hemminger, Groundswell NW

“I don’t think in ’76 (when she first came to Ballard) we could have mustered the volunteer energy to do as much as we do now. There are a lot of projects going on now.” Jody Grage, City Neighborhood Council

“I think one of the great aspects of Ballard is how many people are willing to open small businesses in the area. It’s been phenomenal how many have come to Ballard in the past two years,” resident who moved to Ballard from Arizona.

“The most positive change I have seen personally in the past decade is the farmers market ... I think it’s done huge things for the community as a sort of place of focus. And I’m a big fan of buying direct and buying quality food.” -- Laura Cooper, Ballard Historical Society

“(Two positive developments are the new library and Ballard Commons Park.) Before we didn’t have a park, we had an old grocery store with a big parking lot. (Now) a lot of the community is there a lot of the time. The park has brought on kids. We didn’t used to have kids in Ballard, we used to have old people.” -- Steve Cohn, Sunset West Condominium Association

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